Former President Donald Trump was presented with a certificate of appreciation by Amer Ghalib, the mayor of Hamtramck, Michigan, during his visit on Friday. This gesture marked an important moment in Trump’s efforts to engage Michigan’s Arab-American voters ahead of the 2024 election.
Mayor Ghalib, the first Muslim mayor of Hamtramck, expressed his endorsement of Trump, calling the visit “historic” for the predominantly Muslim city. Ghalib, originally from Yemen, praised Trump for his outreach to the community, saying, “We’ve had a history of disconnect with the Republican Party, but today we are taking steps to end that.” The mayor’s endorsement is seen as an attempt to build bridges between the GOP and the city’s Muslim residents.
Trump, in return, voiced his commitment to achieving peace in the Middle East, a key issue for many Arab-American voters. “We all want peace in the Middle East, and I promise we will make that happen,” Trump declared during a campaign stop in Hamtramck, where signs promoting “Peace through strength” were displayed.
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While Trump worked to win over Arab-American voters, Vice President Kamala Harris was also campaigning in Michigan. She held rallies in several cities, including Lansing and Grand Rapids, targeting union workers and defending President Biden’s policies. However, her visit was met with protests regarding the administration’s stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict. A protester interrupted Harris during an event in Wisconsin, criticizing U.S. support for Israel and accusing the administration of funding “genocide.
Harris has faced growing criticism from parts of the Arab-American community over the Biden administration’s response to the conflict. Trump, capitalizing on the discontent, predicted a shift in Arab-American support away from Harris. “They’re not going to support her, she doesn’t know what she’s doing,” Trump commented to reporters during his Michigan visit.
In Hamtramck, the political divide was apparent. While Mayor Ghalib endorsed Trump, three city council members voiced their support for Harris, reflecting the mixed sentiments within the community. Despite Trump’s previous travel ban targeting Muslim-majority countries, Ghalib’s endorsement represents an effort to mend relations between the Republican Party and the city’s Muslim population.
Michigan, a critical swing state with a substantial Arab-American electorate, is expected to play a decisive role in the upcoming election. Both Trump and Harris are making strong pushes to secure the state’s votes as the 2024 election approaches.